'Vibrant' murals transform A66 underpass

News imageRachel Deakin Concrete pillars with brick bases have been covered in brightly coloured patterns. Looking down the series of pillars the reds, oranges and blues blend into each other. The closest pillar's top corner is coloured in pink with a semi circle of red beneath overlapping another half-circle of yellow. Rachel Deakin
The murals were created after heritage research at Teesside Archives

A series of new murals have transformed the underpass of the A66.

The artwork, created by Navigator North after heritage research at Teesside Archives, covers the archways beneath the road near Middlesbrough railway station and stretch along Wilson Street.

The project aims to make the area more inviting, enhance people's enjoyment and support local businesses.

Director Vicky Holbrough said the murals were "inspired by the story of Middlesbrough, its heritage and communities".

She said: "Working in underused, vacant and overlooked spaces has enabled us to make a real impact through commissioning public art and making real improvements in those areas to bring colour, creativity and civic pride back into the town."

The project is part of Creative Places, a major investment in public art, which is led by Middlesbrough Council and funded through the government's Pride in Place fund.

News imageRachel Deakin A large road has had the underpass decorated with brightly coloured abstract shapes. The word "Erimus" can be read in white along the underside of a bridge. Every pillar holding up the road has been painted with a variety of shapes and colours from pink spots to checkerboard patterns.Rachel Deakin
The artists hope the murals are making an underappreciated part of the town more welcoming

Middlesbrough's deputy Mayor Philippa Storey said Navigator North had a track record of making "lasting change" in the town.

"As we finalise our UK City of Culture 2029 bid and look forward to our 200th birthday in 2030, projects like this show how creativity can play a practical role in making the town centre more welcoming, vibrant and memorable," she said.

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